Mercier Mondays #3 // Eye Basics

Keeping it in the theme of staples, eyeshadow primer has become a staple in everyone's makeup bag in recent times. Promising to boost the color of our eyeshadow and keep it crease-free all day, eye primers -like face primers- earn their keep.

I had never heard of eyeshadow primer before I tested the Laura Mercier Eye Basics at Macy's. I quickly wrote it off as a fad item that did nothing more than my concealer was already doing. However, at the end of the day when I noticed that my eye makeup looked as fresh as it had at the counter, I was completely sold.

Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen (top) and Eyebright (bottom)

Due to its cult following, most people flock to the Urban Decay Primer Potion when shopping for an eye base. While it is a good product, I much prefer the Laura Mercier Eye Basics. For one, I prefer its texture as it is a smoother, creamier base that dries down quickly. Though it also leaves a less tacky finish than UD's Primer Potion, shadow has no problem adhering itself to this primer. Finally, it delivers on its promise of extending the longevity of your eye makeup, keeping your shadow vibrant, crease-free, and in place for the entire day.

The Eye Basics shade range is one of the most extensive I've seen in the eyeshadow primer market, boasting a whopping 8 shades. Beyond the usual skin tone shades, there are blue, peach, and yellow toned shades which aim to brighten and even out the skin. Though I have the blue "Eyebright" shade, I don't find it to work any better than my usual shade, Linen. Both brighten my eye area and give makeup a long lasting finish.

Hand swatches of Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen (top) and Eyebright (bottom)

I have worn this product alone when aiming for a no-makeup look, but I find it works better with a light dusting of powder or neutral eyeshadow over it. I've found it to be true of all eye primers that they work better with eyeshadow than alone, ironically enough. Even so, once you try an eyeshadow primer you'll wonder how you ever got by without one.

Laura Mercier Eye Basics - $25

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